Brand new Cato 2x Anamorphic Lens Series, has just launched!!

Wow, set of 4 2x stretch anamorphic lenses just got released from Blazar. I’m speechless. Having a really great experience with the Remus Blazar, set we’re excited to try out the CATO lenses. Being 2X stretch, still the lenses look quite compact from the images. Blazar decided to continue with Remus trend for even being 2x stretch.

During the NAB 2024 event, lens maker BLAZAR introduced CATO, a fresh addition to their lineup of full-frame anamorphic lenses. The BLAZAR CATO FF 2x anamorphic series offers lenses in 40mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 125mm, all featuring a consistent 2x anamorphic squeeze and the ability to accommodate large format sensors. Here’s a closer look at these exciting new offerings!

Recently, BLAZAR expanded its product range with the launch of a 35mm T1.6 lens for Super35 sensors and a 33mm T1.6 that covers full-frame sensors. Building on this momentum, BLAZAR is now venturing into the realm of 2x anamorphic lenses with the BLAZAR CATO FF 2x anamorphic series.

Formerly known as Great Joy, BLAZAR is a Chinese company renowned for crafting affordable anamorphic lenses tailored to the needs of independent filmmakers. Their Remus 1.5x anamorphic series has gained significant traction for its vintage flair and cost-effectiveness.

BLAZAR CATO FF 2x Anamorphic Set – Features

The BLAZAR CATO FF 2x anamorphic lineup comprises four focal lengths: 40mm T2.2, 50mm T2, 85mm T2.8, and 125mm T3.2. Each lens in this series is available with either PL or EF mounts. Despite their robust features, these lenses are quite lightweight (ranging from 853g/1.88lbs to 940g/2.07lbs) and compact, with lengths varying from 105mm to 133mm.

Similar to the Remus 1.5x lenses, the BLAZAR CATO FF 2x anamorphic set employs barrel distortion to achieve its distinctive look. However, these lenses only offer neutral silver flare options, adapting the color of the flare to the lighting it encounters—unlike the Remus series, which offers the choice of blue or amber flares. The design maintains a sleek silver/black aesthetic with clear focus markings in both meters and feet. It’s also very easy to unscrew the EF/PL mount, it doesn’t even take a minute.

BLAZAR CATO FF 2x Anamorphic Set – Specs

For detailed specifications of each lens, please refer to the chart provided below:

Price and Availability

BLAZAR is known for making anamorphic lenses more accessible price-wise. While specific pricing details for the BLAZAR CATO FF 2x anamorphic series are not yet available, pre-orders will open in July with shipping set to begin in August 2024. The 40mm lens will start shipping later, in October.

Get notified when available

For additional details, visit the BLAZAR website here.